A major purge is underway in Kenya's public service as three powerful institutions join forces to weed out officials holding fake academic credentials.

The Public Service Commission (PSC), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced a unified front at a joint press briefing on February 13th, 2024.

This action comes after an alarming discovery by the PSC: an authentication exercise revealed over 2,000 public officers obtained jobs, promotions, and even re-designations using forged documents.

Chairing the press conference, Ambassador Anthony Muchiri, the PSC Chairperson, revealed the alarming results of an authentication exercise conducted by the Commission.

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"According to the reports received by the Commission, there are substantial cases of forged academic and professional certificates used for the award of appointments, promotions or re-designation in the public service," Muchiri revealed.

The gravity of the situation is not lost on the collaborating agencies. Ambassador Muchiri further announced that the PSC will be handing over the investigation findings to both the EACC and DCI.

This paves the way for necessary legal action against the officers affected, sending a clear message that such transgressions will not be tolerated.

Both the EACC and DCI applauded the PSC's initiative, recognizing its significance in restoring public trust.

Joining the discourse, Mohamed Amin, Director of Criminal Investigations, commended the PSC for its proactive stance in addressing the prevalence of fraudulent qualifications within the public sector.

"The effects of hiring unqualified employees decreases productivity and performance, it lowers quality of work and has a negative impact on team morale," emphasized Amin.

In alignment with their collective resolve to uphold transparency and accountability, EACC Chairperson David Oginde echoed this sentiment, pledging full cooperation.

"EACC will work closely with DCI and PSC to ensure we get rid of all fake certificates in the public service, which have dented the image and effectiveness of our public service," he declared.

This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability within Kenya's public sector.

The message is clear: those who have obtained positions through fraudulent means will be held responsible, while the institutions responsible for upholding integrity will work tirelessly to ensure a qualified and ethical workforce serves the Kenyan people.